Washington Redskins: Top 30 players in franchise history

Every “Posse” needs a ring leader.

Art Monk was always the No. 1 receiver. Having a cast of players always helps, but from 1980 to 1991, Monk was the go-to guy, and he was one of the most reliable wide receivers in the NFL.

First-round picks were rare for the Redskins in the 1980s, as the team often traded away picks in return for experienced players. 1980 was different. The team went into draft season needing a receiver, and so they selected Monk with the No. 18 pick.

It took a few seasons for Monk to hit his stride, but when he did, there were few players in the league better than him. In 1984, Monk’s stats skyrocketed. He caught 106 passes for over 1,300 yards and seven touchdowns, setting a new record for receptions in a season.

From then on, Monk was a player to be feared. The ring leader didn’t hold back. He kept padding his stats, passing the 1,000-yard mark four more times, earning two more Pro Bowl berths and two more Super Bowl rings in the process, both with different quarterbacks.

In 1989, Monk, along with his partners in crime, Ricky Sanders and Gary Clark, eclipsed 1,000 yards, becoming the first receiver trio in history to pull off the feat. Monk ended his career with a laundry list of exploits, and records, and although none still stand today, his legacy is one that won’t be forgotten. He raised the bar. And when the bar goes up, it doesn’t go back down.